There are numerous indications today that many of our cities are becoming more dangerous. Detroit, for example, has had its highest homicide rate in 20 years. The Detroit police union has publicly warned that Detroit is unsafe for visitors.
Police budget cuts are causing even smaller cities to become more dangerous. The city of King, for example, might disband its police department. In the city of Milwaukee, the sheriff has urged residents to obtain guns and training neeeded to use those guns efrfectively.
Baltimore is no exception to this trend of rising crime. Baltimore now has 622 crime cameras. Police budget cuts in Maryland are looming. A study has found that Baltimore is one of the most under-policed cities in the U.S. Maryland State Troopers are helping Baltimore police officers to patrol high crime areas.
There are certain precautions you can take when driving in a city that has a high crime rate. You can:
- Have a cell phone and cell phone charger in your car.
- Have a road service membership similar to AAA.
- Drive, if possible, during the morning daylight hours.
- Have a GPS unit in your car, or a friend who is helping you to navigate by using separate to and from Mapquest printouts.
- Drive a dependable car or ride in a safe taxi or on public transit.
- Get gas from stations in the safest parts of the city and keep your tank at least half full.
- Check your gas gage often to make sure that gas theft or parking attendant joyriding has not occurred.
- Get any needed directions from police officers or taxi drivers.
- Avoid being stopped at stoplights by timing your approach to them.
- Avoid being boxed in at stoplights by keeping enough space between your car and the car ahead of you.
- Avoid rush hour traffic that is more likely to result in traffic jams or road rage.
- Drive slowly enough so that other drivers will not want to get between or stay between your car and a friend's car while he is guiding you to your desired destination.
- Keep your car doors locked and your car windows rolled up.
- Beware of “bump and rob” crime.
What experiences or suggestions do you have regarding this topic? Please comment below.
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